One of country music's most versatile and highly-regarded musicians has died. Don Markham, who played with Merle Haggard from 1974 until his retirement in 2013, died Friday (Feb. 24) in Oildale, Calif., at the age of 85.

In 2016, country music saw deaths, resurrections, a shocking performance and a superstar collaboration that fans are sure to be talking about for years to come. It was truly an unforgettable year, and these are the Top 8 moments.

Country music was not spared from the grief that came early and often in 2016. Legendary artists seemed to pass at unheard of rates — men and women we'd relied on for hit songs and unforgettable live performances for decades died, often unexpectedly this year. In this video Taste of Country remembers them one final time.

Four of country music's most iconic names are being recognized with one of music's biggest honors from the Recording Academy. Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, the Everly Brothers and Bonnie Raitt will all have some of their most legendary recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017.

On Monday singer/songwriter Sturgill Simpson took to Facebook to blast the ACMs for creating an award that celebrates Merle Haggard’s legacy. He accused the Academy of Country Music of joining others who have “hitched their wagon to his name.”

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